Life Saving Chaplaincy International at the Lifesaving World Championships LWC2018

Every 2 years Lifesaving nations from all over the world gather to compete against each other to claim the title of “worlds best”. This year, they gathered at Glenelg Beach, South Australia from the 16 Nov – 2 Dec 2018. This year saw over 6000 competitors from 44 nations complete.

For Terry and Maureen Legg, this was their 9th “Worlds” they have attended as Life Saving Chaplaincy but for Ann, Wayne, and Greg, this was their 1st experience of Life Saving Chaplaincy International. Club Chaplaincy is different to event Chaplaincy

Terry talking BR: Wayno, Ann, Debbie. FR: Terry, Maureen, Will & Greg

“What an experience it is to be at an international sporting event! So many people speaking so many different languages. It was amazing!

One thing we found intriguing is that you couldn’t tell what country people were from just by looking at them. They might be wearing team clothes so you think you can identify which country they’re from, but they might not have their team colors on. They may have swapped with another athlete and be wearing the colors of an opposing team.

Terry and Maureen taught us that the best way to find out is to ask them. We had some great conversations (not always an easy feat) and started some relationships that I’m sure will last into the future.

In a world full of busy people, we’re so glad that we committed to taking some time off and doing what God has called us to do, to be at Worlds as a loving and kind presence.” Wayne Marshall and Ann Donnelly Marshall

Terry, Davina (LSCA Ambassador), Leon & Greg

“It was a wet and windy World Titles during the first week meaning some delays in the event which provided us with a great opportunity to connect with many of the International teams who congregated at the “Hub” where we had our Chaplaincy area. Great connections were made with competitors from many countries, particularly South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and of course some of the Australians.

It was also good to become better acquainted with many of the respected officials of ILS who were very supportive of the ministry of LSC. I became very aware of the great work that Terry has been doing for a long time and the respect he has among the lifesaving saving fraternity around the world. It was a joy to work with Terry who has blazed a trail with ILS and provided a foundation for us to build on into the future.” Greg Perren

Martina (Argentina), Greg Perren & Ann Donnelly-Marshall

Our service on Sunday morning which was due to be held under the covered grandstand on the beach was moved to the Presentation Dais in the Hub due to 100 km winds and a king tide making it unstable and unusable.

Leon du Preez (South Africa), Maya Adamsson (Sweden) & Terry Legg

Greg Peren was MC. Martina (Argentina) read the opening prayer in Spanish, Ann sung the ILSF Hymn, Leon Du Preez (South Africa) was interviewed, Maya Adamsson (Sweden) read the Scriptures. Terry spoke, Ann sang “Amazing Grace” as the music for another song had technical difficulties. Georgina Cherotich (Kenya) read the Life Savers Prayer and Greg Perren, MC pronounced the Benediction. Graham Ford OAM, President of ILSF and President SLSA, spoke and thanked the participants, and presented each with an LWC2018 badge.

These Lifesaving World Championships was also the launch of our 2ndLife Saving Bible. About 300 Bibles were distributed and there were many amazing responses to the bible when they heard scripture explained in Life Saving terms.

It was a great time for all involved. The delays meant a chance to catch up with old friends and making new ones. There are many conversations to follow up on and many new friends to get to know.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2020 in Riccione, Italy for the next Lifesaving World Championships.

If you are considering coming as a Chaplain in 2020 or would like to know more information about Life Saving Chaplaincy International, please contact info@lifesavingchaplaincy.com.